Be Ready September came and went with its quiet reminder: be ready. The world seems to tilt a little more each year—storms stronger, systems shakier, power grids less reliable. So, Mikelle and I decided it was time to do more than talk about preparedness; we became, as she likes to say with a grin, “a […]
Lessons from September’s Emergency Preparedness Month. Read More »
Stories. Stories, when told truthfully, have the power to turn bureaucratic walls into open doors. They make the invisible visible. They remind us that behind every policy, form, and acronym, there is a human being trying to live a good life. Last week, I found myself once again telling Mikelle’s story — not to an
The Unexpected Moment It was a late spring day, and the snow was wet and heavy. The kind of storm that makes you want to curl up by the fire with a cup of coffee, listening to the world go quiet under a white blanket—a perfect day to stay home. Then the phone rang. “Hey,
When Stories Open Doors: Families, Resources, and the Lessons of Viki King Read More »
At the heart of our home is a calendar. Not the kind that counts the days, but one that holds the rhythm of Mikelle’s life—steady, specific, and essential. It may look ordinary at first glance, but for us, it is the compass by which care is guided, stories are shared, and continuity is secured. The
The Calendar at the Center of Care Read More »
Girl’s Night Out Some nights just sparkle—and our evening at Film on the Rocks watching Legally Blonde was one of those unforgettable nights. Mikelle and I, along with our friend Maryann, headed up to Red Rocks Amphitheatre for a little bit of Elle Woods magic under the stars. From the moment we pulled into the
Pretty in Pink and Perfectly Included: Mikelle’s Night at Red Rock Read More »
The Lingering Scent of Conflict Conflict smells vague and bitter—like day-old coffee, sulfur before a match ignites, or uncollected trash lingering too long on a sweltering day. It clings to frozen sidewalks on a frosty morning, settling into the cracks of daily life. Left unattended, conflict can shudder a window, shut a door, or close a once-open
Love in the Crossfire: Navigating Valentine’s Day in a Divided World Read More »
Jumpstarting Results For quite some time, I, like many of you, have been searching for ways to improve supported employment outcomes for people with disabilities. While some states lead the way with higher job placements, more hours, and better financial rewards for supported employees, others struggle with what was once a fertile field of opportunities
Employment for All: Cultivating Opportunities for People with Disabilities Read More »
The kitchen table in Mikelle’s cozy condo hosts countless conversations. It’s where the Shining Beautiful team gathers, supporting each other through the chaos and adventures of everyday life. Each day, the table—and sometimes the coffee table—is laden with coffee mugs, a fresh breakfast or a plate of freshly baked chocolate croissants, and the weight of
Conversations Over Coffee: Navigating a Chaotic World Read More »
To AI or Not to AI: that is the question. As with any technology, there are risks and values of technology for all of us. Mikelle and I have been exploring using artificial intelligence in everyday life in low-risk areas. For example, I asked AI a simple question: Can you write a letter to the
When the New Year bell rang, I decided it was time for the Christmas tree to come down. For Mikelle, it was a bittersweet moment. Her month-long party had come to an end. She wore her disappointment stoically as she watched me take down the garland, the twinkling lights she loved, and finally, the treasured
The No New Year’s Resolution Revolution: Embracing Personal Growth Without Pressure Read More »
